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It was with some sadness (weep!) that postgraduate and MA
students Françoise Collanges and Brittany Cox recently fled, or
rather graduated from the West Dean nest. Over the summer period
they completed their practical MA projects and accompanying 12,000
word theses. Both Françoise's work in the study of early
electro-magnetic clocks, and Brittany's in the materials used
inside automata that smoke (!), will both undoubtedly add value to
the body of knowledge in these specialist fields. During the
process, a lot of fun, blood, sweat and tears ensued. Result! We
wish them both well.

Early October saw the intake of new students and the welcome
back of those returning. All students new to the clocks programme
at West Dean begin their long journey through horological bench
craft skill by designing and making their very own clock. As a
beginning, clockmaking embraces so many of the materials, tools,
techniques required for later life as conservator restorers. The
world of turning, soldering, filing and scraping, geometry,
mechanics and a little mathematics thrown in, is a demanding one,
and interestingly, the outcomes from what is outwardly a uniform
process are as diverse as the students themselves. Christmas should
see trains and frames completed. Entire clocks by Awards Day
2013.

Returning students on Diploma and Postgraduate programmes are
working on historic clock projects. These include sensitive
cleaning and conservation of a mystery clock by Houdin, the repair
of an imposing ormolu mounted mantel clock signed Cellier, and the
reinstatement of verge and crownwheel escapement to an early
eighteenth century spring clock. Many of the projects are
multi-media and therefore require interdepartmental liaison in the
conservation and repair processes. Never a dull day in
clockmaking.

As always, lots to do, lots to see.

West Dean holds its Open Day on Saturday 10th
November 2012. All welcome. See www.westdean.org.uk